Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a cozy and comforting dish that fills your home with delicious aromas. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you. Using a slow cooker means you can set it up and not worry about it until it’s time to eat. This stew combines tender chicken with flavorful vegetables for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is easy and requires minimal effort. You simply brown the chicken, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the work. The long cooking time allows the flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in a rich and creamy dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs Chicken thighs
• 1 Bay leaf
• 3 Carrots
• 6 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Green peas (frozen)
• 1 Onion
• 2 Potatoes (cut into 1/2 inch cubes, 1 pound)
• 1 tsp Rosemary (dried)
• 1 tsp Thyme (dried)
• 3 cups Chicken broth
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1 Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 cup Milk

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides.
2. In the slow cooker, add the browned chicken, bay leaf, carrots, garlic, green peas, onion, potatoes, rosemary, thyme, chicken broth, flour, black pepper, and salt.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk for a creamier texture.
6. Remove bay leaf before serving and enjoy your stew.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Serve the stew in bowls, and you can add some fresh bread on the side for dipping. It also goes well with a simple salad or steamed rice, adding more texture to your meal. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

To store leftover stew, let it cool down first. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

• For more flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in herbs and spices before browning them.
• You can adjust the thickness by adding more or less chicken broth.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, like celery or green beans, for extra nutrition.

Variation

If you want a lighter version, you can replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, adding more veggies and eliminating the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even try using beef or turkey, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

2. Can I make this stew in a regular pot?
Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. Just simmer it on low heat for about 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender.

3. How do I thicken the stew?
If you want a thicker stew, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it in about 30 minutes before serving.